Disclaimer- I don't own Skyrim or any province, game or characters there of.
Chapter One: Knowledge is Power.
Two figures walked slowly over the swamp like hills of Hjaalmarch, it was the dead of night and the clouds hung closely to the sky blocking most of the light from the single moon from above. While one figure, a woman wearing dark, light cloth armor walked with ease and grace over stones and sticks, her black hair held in her brads she was deathly pale, yet she was also fit. The other was having a bit more trouble tripping over small roots or stones, his armor was heavy, yet barely made a sound as he walked, from the looks of it he was a male, and his helmet blocked the view to his face.
The woman looked over with her glowing yellow eyes "How far are we?" She asked softly, truth was she was tired, not from lack of sleep but of blood.
The man stopped and looked around for a landmark "Not far, I can see it from here." He said casually, he was looking for his home Windstad Manor. Being the closest option for him to rest without heading into a town. "Only a few people should be there, Serana."
Serana nodded, though it was dark outside she still wore her hood up. Raven had told her about the area they were in, how it was filled with vampires. The last thing she wanted was to be killed after finally being set free. She cast a curious glance at her savior.
Raven was a tall Nordic man, he had removed his helmet to speak with her back at the Crypt. He looked like he was carved from ice, just from how pale and cold he looked. His eyes were like a fresh snow white and his hair which he grew down to his shoulders was a dark black, darker than her own. He couldn't be more than 22 or 25 but he knew his stuff, just from the little show of getting out of the Crypt and getting to her.
He was a warrior, but a unique with his fighting style. He only used a sword to fight in combat, a dagger or bow if he was going for a silent kill and a shield to block. If she was to guess he had to be one of the best blades men in the province. However the way he moved made her think, Thief or Assassin just at how silent he was.
Raven seemed to only use Ebony for his weapons and the craftsmanship was amazing, there were Runes wrapped around certain places in his armor, she could feel the magicka rolling off of the metal when she got too close.
"We're here." He whispered walking through an arch way.
Serana looked up and was slightly amazed, the place was beautiful and well maintained, from the outside look it had an entrance hall, the main hall and a kitchen of sorts based on the single fireplace. It was a two story but she had a feeling it had a basement as well. Two towers rose from the ground at the right and rear of the house, to the left was a slopped room with no second story.
"I built this a month ago, I think I did a good job all by myself." He said in a calm tone looking around for something, from here she could hear him whisper something, it sounded like Ancient Norse.
With a start he threw his shield into the dirt, pulled out his bow, drew a lone arrow then fired it into the dark. A mangled cry and hiss could be heard then, a pair of glowing yellow eyes appeared from the shadows "They followed us here." He muttered firing another shot at the eyes.
Serana drew her dagger and closed her left hand focusing on fire, a fire ball quickly morphed and she sent it out after the Vampire or Vampire's.
Raven tossed his bow away and grabbed his shield quickly, he saw something Serana missed. A faint outline of a person, the person slammed his sword into Raven's shield. Which the Nord blocked, slid out of and sent a shield punch at him aiming for the face or neck.
A sick crush and a gurgle let him know that he hit the creature's neck. "Lass" He whispered looking for the outline of the other Vampire. Which he found and threw the shield at, drawing his dagger as the fanged monster was hit by the shield, he threw that as well. The roar of pain let him know he hit but not anywhere vital.
Serana's firebolts now flew over his head and a mangled screamed was heard for a second before all was quiet.
Raven walked over and pulled his dagger out of the Fang's shoulder, Serana hit the poor bastard in the face and neck, he quickly looked for anything good like jewelry or gold.
"You built this place from the ground up?" She asked walking over dagger still drawn.
Raven nodded "You can put that away." He said looking at her dagger "There's no one else around."
Serana rose a brow "How would you know that?" She asked slightly confused.
Raven let out a sigh "Let's just go inside." He said calmly, walking towards his front door.
She followed him trotting behind a little "Engar! Sonir! Valdimar! Eola!" She heard him shout removing his helmet.
"In the main hall my Thane!" A deep male Nordic voice answered.
Raven moved into another set of doors, where a long table stood near a fireplace. At the table two Nordic men sat sharing a batch of mead, on the stairs a Breton woman with an eye blinded sat drinking from her own cup as the Nord bard played her lute. Serana looked at each new face, the Breton stood up.
"Keeper, you know what this is don't you?" She said her hand drifting towards her sliver blade.
Raven held up a hand "I do, or have you forgotten Eola my post?" He said in a voice laced with power.
Eola bowed her head "Of course. I apologize, Keeper of the Ring." She said in a small voice.
"Valdimar. Anything I should be aware of in Morthal?" He asked to the Nord in armor.
He shook his head "No, my Thane. I have nothing to report." He said sipping his mead.
Raven turned to Eola "We got a message from the Jarl in Whiterun." She said pulling the letter out of her pouch.
"Balgruuf? What could he want?" He mumbled breaking the seal and reading the letter, once finished he rolled his eyes "Wonderful, I'll have to make my way to Whiterun soon. The Hall of the Dead is unrestful again." He turned to Serana "This is Serana, we'll only be here for a night."
Serana stood behind Raven "Hello." She said calmly.
Raven sighed "There is a coffin in the basement, you are welcome to use." He said in a calm voice "Eola must have eaten recently, I am sure there is some blood as well."
Serana rose a brow "Why do you have a coffin." She said in a confused tone.
Raven chuckled "Was a vampire at one point. It was good for sneaking around." He answered walking up the other set of stairs "I'll be in my bed if anyone has use of me."
Raven headed up to his room "I'm sorry, what just happened?" Serana asked.
Eola held up a hand and led her to the back room, a lone table stood near a place for dishes and an anvil. Above the dishes a shield of Morthal and twin Iron Hammers were placed proudly.
"Sit." Eola instructed, she walked over to a bloody looking barrel and filled two glasses, she then sat across from her and place the goblet in front of Serana "Its blood, fresh within a day." She said calmly sipping.
"You're not a Vampire are you?" Serana asked, sipping the lukewarm red liquid, it was better than nothing.
Eola shook her head "No, I am a servant of Namira. Lady of Decay." She explained "Raven is the keeper of our lady's ring, when he asked me to become his steward. I accepted, bandits satisfy my hunger." She spoke in a casual tone of voice with no worry.
Serana nodded "I heard he was Thane? Of Morthal?" She wasn't going to ask why Raven was part of the cult of cannibals, it could be a fun story.
Eola nodded swishing the blood in her mouth "Of Morthal, Solitude, Markarth, Riften, Windhelm, Whiterun, Winterhold, Dawnstar and Falkreath." She listed off "He's a very important person."
Serana's brow's shot to her head "He is Thane of all the holds?!" She said in shock.
"Yes." Eola smirked, recalling how much mail she would get for him from all over the Provence.
"Amazing." She said simply "He must be quiet the warrior."
Eola laughed gently "He is more than a warrior." She said with a calm smile.
Serana gave her a questioning look.
"He is the Harbinger of the Companions." Eola said casually, when a dagger landed point down on her chair where her legs were spread.
"Speak of me again, Eola." Raven's voice whispered from above.
Eola paled "The trapdoor to the cellar is over there, Good night Serana." She said quickly standing not touching the dagger and walking off.
Serana rose a brow 'He is more than a Warrior, I am sure of it. He wasn't interested in my magic so he either knows the level or has worked with people who have.' She thought out walking over to the cellar and entering it 'He knew those vampires were there but he didn't use a spell….all I heard was a whisper, strange…very strange.'
Serana woke a few hours later and pushed open the coffin lid, she rose a brow at the figure that sat in the chair next to a suit of Iron banded armor. "Good Morning." She said calmly, she felt much better now with the blood into her system.
Raven grunted he was wearing his ebony armor "We should get moving." He explained "The sun will be up soon."
Serana nodded and walked over to the ladder "I would prefer you go up first." She said with a smirk.
Raven chuckled "Want to check out my ass?" He asked climbing the ladder.
Serana rolled her eyes, and climbed up after him.
Within the next few minutes they walked over to a small sail boat with what looked like Dragon scales nailed to the rails and a black dragon on the sail. "This is mine. Sometimes it's better than walking or horse back."
Serana smiled, this man was more interesting all the time.
Raven helped her onto the boat which was at best made for four to sit, it had some provisions of food and water but nothing major if they wreaked it would keep them alive for a day or two.
"So the Dragon scales? Must have taken a lot to find those." She said, Dragons were quite alive when she was being sealed away.
"Not really….I took them from their dead bodies." He said in a calm voice, setting up the sail and removed the anchor then untied the boat from the dock. He set off for around Solitude.
Serana rose a brow "You killed a dragon…." She said in a soft voice.
"I do it all the time." He explained with little care of his own "Part of my 'Job' or destiny."
"What do you mean?"
"I am Dragonborn." He said removing his helmet and looked at the water "Fo" He said calmly and a small winter storm, appeared at his lips.
Serana's eyes widened "What else are you?" She said in a worried voice, she had heard a few small stories of the Dragonborn before she was sealed away. She also knew that Dragons were in nature Dominant. Which would explain the need of his to be the best or become the Hero.
"That is all you need to know." He said calmly, he wouldn't tell her of his dealings with the Dedric Lords, Being the Guild Master, Listener or Arch Mage. If he could have helped it, he would have only told her that he was Thane of Morthal and left it at that. Eola and her big mouth.
Raven and Serana sailed in silence for the next hour or so before she spoke up "There." She pointed off at the large castle on a single island "Sail there."
"Impressive." He commented, he had explored all reaches of Skyrim from the Crypts of the Nordic legends to the ruins of Dwemer. He had seen the Reach and explored caves that would make most men or mer would wet themselves. Though the place looked ruined he would say it was impressive.
Serana smiled "Sorry, I didn't tell." She said softly.
"I can imagine why. Not the sort to sit in a Castle all day are we?" He spoke with a smirk playing at his lips, he brought the boat round and locked it the dock. He threw the anchor over and tied the boat down. "Let's get you home, Serana."
Serana smiled in thanks, she was glad to have met this man. If things went wrong she would know where to find him, if she could help it she wouldn't go to the Dawnguard. For a Vampire hunter he didn't seem to mind the creatures.
Raven and Serana walked up to the bridge "Hey. I need to tell you something before we get in there." She said softly.
Raven turned at looked over at her "Something wrong? You okay?" He asked slightly muffled with his helmet back on.
Serana smiled "Yeah, I'm fine thanks. I also want to thank you for helping me get here." She said calmly "The problem is that, if my father is in there. Let me do the talking…and don't take any deals from him alright…" She explained, she didn't want this person to be led on by her father, or worse making him into one of them. While he had been a vampire at one point he was clean now, she couldn't imagine him wanting it again.
Raven nodded once "Lead on. Fair lady." He said smiling under his helmet.
Serana rolled her eyes and slapped him gently on the shoulder walking passed him.
"My word Lady Serana." The Gatekeeper said with wide eyes "Welcome home my dear, ah I see you brought a pet. Lord Harkon will want to see you, please come in, come in. "He said in an elderly voice, opening the gate and unlocking the door.
Serana entered with Raven walking with his head held up behind her well next to her. His pride would not let her lead him on.
"Who are you to enter this- Serana?" A High-Elf with glowing yellow eyes said with a feral glare before the last word which he smiled and turned off to the balcony "My Lord! Everyone! Lady Serana has returned!"
Serana looked at Raven with bored eyes who looked back calmly "Guess I'm expected." She muttered with a sigh "Wonderful."
Raven glanced at the Elder-Scroll on her back again, he would have never thought he would see one of those again. The last time someone used one, it sent a Destruction God-Dragon through time. He wouldn't let someone use it like that again, even his Elder-Scroll was out of his reach. He placed it in a display case in his home of Whiterun, using several locks and enchantments to seal it.
Vex had a key, Arngeir had a key, Aela had a key, Nazir had a key, Tolfdir had a key. Each key opened a lock, The Dragonborn himself did not have a key to the locks, because he was the one who crafted the enchantments, the glass could not be broken, the wood wouldn't burn and lock picks would melt in contact with the locks, only the keys which were forged from Dragon Bone would work.
He trusted each key-holder, they wouldn't give over their key without a valid reason from the Dragonborn or they would have it removed from their corpse. He picked each member he trusted, they were spread far enough out that no one would ever find each member.
Serana led him down the main hall, the smell of blood and decay hit him like a ton of bricks. He wouldn't let out a sound, being that he was used to the smell. Crypts often smelled worse.
"Ah, so my daughter returns. I trust you have my Elder-Scroll?" A powerful voice asked, the man had to be Harkon.
"After all these years that's that first thing you ask?" She said softly walking to the middle of the room "Yes, I have the scroll."
Harkon rolled his eyes "Of course I am glad to see you. Must I say the words aloud?" He said with a pained look on his face "If only your traitor mother was here, I would celebrate this reunion by placing her head on a spike."
Serana looked over at Raven with a pained look, her eyes told him to remain silent. Which he did, all he did do was shift his arms until they were crossed.
"So, tell me daughter. Who have you brought into our court?" He asked looking Raven up and down with a frown, Raven smirked the man wouldn't be able to get information from him like this.
"This is my Savior." She explained "The one who rescued me."
Harkon turned to Raven "For my daughters safe return, you have my gratitude." He said with a smirk "Tell me what your name is"
"Sorry, isn't it customary for the Lord to share his name." Raven said calmly, he was smirking behind his helmet.
Harkon frowned "Ah Yes, I am Harkon. Lord of the Court."
Raven smiled "I am Christian." He looked over to Serana and she could see his ice-blue eyes behind the helmet's holes one winked at her.
"I trust, Christian that my daughter has told you what we are." He explained, hands on his hips.
"Truthfully I don't care." He said calmly looking at his hand, mocking the Vampire Lord. He spit in the eyes of Gods and Dedra, why would he be afraid of a Vampire?
Harkon bared his fangs "You should, for we are the oldest of Vampires!" He exclaimed and started to pace "We have lived here for centuries, far from the cares of the world beyond us. That was until my wife betrayed me and stole that which I valued most."
Raven rolled his eyes "Are you going to bore me to death, my Lord?" He mocked with a smirk, he loved mocking those he hated or though was trash. This man who cared more about a scroll than his daughter was trash.
Harkon glared at the man before him "Whether I like it or not, you have done me a great service and must be rewarded." He explained with a look of pain on his face "There is but one thing that is equal to an Elder-Scroll and my Daughter."
"Get on with it, Lord." Raven growled.
Harkon let out a growl of his own "I grant you my blood, with it you will be a lion among sheep! Men shall tremble as you walk and you shall never fear death!" He said holding his arms at his sides.
Raven smirked, men already trembled at his wake. Death? Death was an old friend at this point and he would walk with him gladly when the time came. "And should I refuse?"
"Then you will be prey, like all mortals." He explained with a frown on his face "I shall spare you this once, but you shall be banished from these halls. Perhaps you need convincing! Behold the power!" Harkon said hunching over as his skin started to boil like blooded water.
Serana took a step back "He loves to show off." She muttered to Raven.
Harkon exploded with a shower of blood and skin. A creature stepped forward, he looked like a grey human bat. The wings looked weak and brittle, he wore a crown and a jewelry around him, a loin cloth covered most his waist and draped to the floor.
"This is the power I offer!" He growled "Now! Make your choice!"
Raven rolled his eyes and removed a scrap of skin from his shoulder guard, he looked unamused or impressed "That's it?" He asked with a bored tone of voice.
The Hall broke out in gasps and whispers, some Raven could hear but would rather not repeat.
"Chose!" Harkon roared.
"Can I swap out your gift for coin? Weapons? Jewels?" He said calmly, listing off, he wanted to piss off the wannabe Lord.
Harkon broadened his shoulders "So you refuse this gift!" He exclaimed.
Raven shrugged "Yes, I refuse your gift. I would rather like to trade it out." He explained in a bored tone.
Harkon twitched "Bring me a Dedric sword, one of the enchanted ones." He snapped to a thrall "And a sack of coins with jewels." Slowly he reformed himself "You are a fool, Christian. I hope you know you are now prey."
Raven nodded and bowed his head a little "I thank you for you generosity." He said calmly, smiling behind his helmet.
Harkon waved him off and walked over to his seat, looking drained from the power.
Serana walked over to him "That was….impressive." She said with a kind smile "I didn't think you were that skilled."
Raven chuckled "Ah my dear, I am skilled with the tongue in more ways than one." He said calmly "Perhaps you would like to experience one such skill?" He added with a whisper.
Serana blushed gently which stood out on her pale skin "Perhaps another time, I'll see you again." She said calmly.
"Of that I have no doubt." He spoke in a peaceful tone.
The Thrall walked over and handed him a Dedric blade glowing with a fire energy. Raven placed the blade on his back and took the sack from the Thralls other hand "I shall take my leave. Farewell Lord Harkon, Lady Serana." He said turning around "Perhaps I shall show you my skill one day Lord!" He exclaimed walking up the stairs.
The Great Door slammed shut, Harkon chuckled weakly as he down his blood cup "Fetch me the Bloodstone chalice." He instructed a Vampire Nord to his left "Serana, I wish to speak with you."
Serana nodded and followed him to his back room "What do you want father?" She asked softly.
"How well do you know that boy?" He asked with a growl.
"Christian? Not very well, he is a member of the Dawnguard. He trusted me enough to lead me home." She said softly, she wouldn't betray Raven's trust. While powerful he couldn't protect all the lands of the Province.
"Ah. The Dawnguard." He said with a feral smile "Perhaps I shall send a team to show them our strength."
Serana sighed, she would meet with Raven soon. She would have to make a choice, her Father who was follow the blasted prophecy to the ends of the realm. Or the Dragonborn who had invited her into his home, stood against his friends and fought for her. Not only that but he played her father brilliantly. She was leaning to Raven, but would give it another day before she made her choice.
Raven sailed back to Windstad Manor, from there he placed the blade in a chest full of other Dedric weapons, and then he placed the sack of coins in a safe that was overflowing with other such sacks.
He took his leave via Shadowmere. He would have to return to the Dawnguard to explain what happened in the Castle. Isran would likely not be happy but Raven couldn't care less about what the paranoid man would say.
His thoughts drifted to Serana, while she was a vampire. She was a sexy one at that, she wasn't hostile or violent like the other vampires he had fought, should they cross paths again. He would not fight her.
Hello Hello, I was thinking about writing something Skyrim for a while and I love the Dawnguard expansion. If you readers have anything to offer the story such as a change in the main quest line or add-on's then I would gladly accept. Of course this will be a SeranaXDragonborn story, the idea of the Dragonborn is that he has the blood of the dragon, if he has the inborn ability to shout so he should have the temperament of one as well. A Dragon is prideful, dominate and intelligent. So would the Dragonborn, which is why you can become the Thane or Head of a fraction because you are dominating those below you. At least that is my idea of the Dragonborn. Any comments feel free to add- Sign with regards 'The Demon'